The False Alarm Reduction Program was launched in 1992, when HPS responded to more than 16, 000 false alarm dispatches. The goal of the program was to reduce the increasing number of false alarms that were impacting police resources. False alarm dispatches were reduced to 9,623 by 1995. In 1997 cost recovery was added to its mandate. The cost-recovery aspect was intended to drive a further reduction in false alarm calls for service, which was realized by reduction to 5,200 calls by 2003.

The table above shows a decrease in the number of alarm dispatches that we have respond to has been reduced, even as the number of alarm systems being installed was increasing, however the percentage of those calls having a false outcome remains high.

These alarm dispatches are being taken everyday by our 9-1-1 call centre and draw on our front line patrol, when a good majority of them are false. They take police and other emergency services away from true emergencies. False alarms waste time and money as you will be fined for our response and possibly suspended from police response to alarm dispatches.

Your decision to own an alarm system makes you a partner with the Hamilton Police Service in deterring crime. Alarm system users have an added responsibility in their community to ensure that police time and resources are not wasted. PLEASE USE YOUR ALARM SYSTEM WISELY.

Police respond to the premise as a result of a dispatch from the Monitoring Station serving your alarm system. Once the officer(s) arrive at the premise a perimeter check is done of the premise and if there are no visible signs of break and enter, attempt or mischief, the alarm is deemed to be false.

The False Alarm Unit will then contact you by mail the following business day with reference to any fees attached to that alarm. As per the by-law, you have been assessed these fees and they must be paid in full.